Affinity Groups: An Organizational Resource for Diversity and Inclusion

Transcription

1 Affinity Groups: An Organizational Resource for Diversity and Inclusion Susan Woods Henderson Woods, LLC Building Relationships/Improving Outcomes Some Opening Questions... What s in place that promotes employees bringing their total selves to work? Is diversity in place, but not in play? If diversity is knowledge, how does the organization learn from its diversity? How does the organization empower its diversity to contribute? 1

2 Value of Empowerment Validity Competency Building Ownership Acceptance Commitment Diffusion Discussion Framing Potential Benefits Reservations 2

3 Affinity Groups An Evolving Strategy EEO/AA Resource Social Group Inclusion Strategy Business Resource Employee Resource Groups Affinity Groups Many Approaches Typically Company sanctioned groups of employees Formed around one identity group/concern, but open to all Self-initiated, voluntary, employee driven Cross-functional & multi-level Function with senior manager sponsors/champions & HR/Diversity professional support Purpose related to business relevant activity professional development, business partnerships & communications 3

4 Examples of Activities Participation in professional conferences and job fairs Organize career/professional development workshops Groups partnered to deliver mentoring programs Speak at new employee orientations and host welcoming socials Host lunch-n-learn sessions Sponsor cultural events Help Executives prepare for meeting with foreign dignitaries & translate Partner with business unit on product development & marketing to targeted communities Partner with HR on benefit policy development Raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief Mentor students in school Business Value Employee Benefit Business Value Employee Benefit Recruitment & Retention Leadership Development Marketing Outreach Product Development Community Involvement Information & Learning (2-way: Senior Mgt & EEs) Personal & professional growth Community & support system Engagement & contribution Mentoring & networking Opportunity to show leadership Visibility with senior leaders 4

5 When Affinity Groups/ERGs Work Well... 1 Workplace Equity (HR Policy & Practice) High Outcomes Low Affinity Groups 2 Openness to Difference (Culture) 3 Engagement & Influence (Structure & Process) 2005 Cornell University ILR & RER/SEW 41 Affinity Groups Pitfalls & Solutions Pitfalls Foster polarization & divisiveness Marginalized as social organizations Become grievance forums Lack of transparency Loose link to executive leadership Too independent/no accountability Solutions Open to all Communicate Focus on the Business Value Managed & Supported Connections & Relationships Partnering 5

6 Managing the Process Typical Considerations Develop guidelines for establishing groups Proposal review & approval, ensuring there is a business reason Reporting & accountability Funding & resource support-meeting rooms, use, web sites, co. logo, etc. Leadership training for group chairs Professional advisement, coaching and support Advocacy, connection building and relationship facilitation Authorization... What s the Purpose? What are the Goals? Expectations for Action What is it Supposed To Do? What Tasks? What Activities? Purpose Process Resources Eligibility? Chartering? Roles? Officers? Champion? Reporting? Coordinating Meetings? Structure, Groundrules Boundaries for Decision-Making What decisions can be made? What s out of bounds? Role & Scope of Decision-Making What kind of Budget, Time and Staff Support will be available? 6

7 Consult with Legal Legal Concerns... Compliance with anti-discrimination laws Workers Compensation Compensable Time Under FLSA National Labor Relations Act Affinity Groups Advantages Advantages Open dialogue & learning Avenue for constructive contribution Build employee commitment and skills Develop talent and leadership Keep senior management in touch with employees Support diversity and inclusion culture change Strengthen community outreach & reputation 7

8 Some Closing Questions... How would affinity groups align with your overall diversity strategy? Affinity Groups at Your Organization? What s in place right now to support them? What would be needed? What would you like to learn from other s experience? Thank You Henderson Woods, LLC 8